Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Project Manager, Policy Fellow

Terms: full time; 2 year contract
Salary: £36,400-46,000
Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if desired and quarterly in-person team away days.
Start Date: September 2024
Line Management: Consultant, Project Officer
Line Manager: Programme Manager

Closing Date: 1 September 2024. On submission of your application, please add ‘Project Manager 1 -  2024’ in the subject line. 

You must have the right to work in the UK or Germany. Please note that the advertised salary range in sterling is based on United Kingdom employment terms and conditions. Salary offers for positions based in Germany take into account local tax and social security regulations, which may result in different net salary outcomes compared to those in the UK.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent think tank whose mission is to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear weapons risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Founded in 1987, we have 36 years’ experience of convening meaningful dialogues across complex political divides, and a reputation for generating innovative, high-quality research and policy advice.

BASIC is a fast-paced, inclusive, and rewarding environment in which to work. We have experienced >5x growth since 2017, and our intention is to continue this growth trajectory. We have an exceptionally positive team culture.

BASIC sees its role as one of drawing together different perspectives within the nuclear weapons / security debate and pushing the boundaries of policy discussions. We cherish our independence and freedom of speech. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

Role Description

The Project Manager is an adept and organised professional, esteemed within the nuclear policy community for their level. Responsible for overseeing a discrete package of work, they must demonstrate a clear understanding and alignment with broader programme goals, strategies, and objectives. The role will report to the Programme Manager.

Taking charge of project deliverables, the Project Manager will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. 

The Project Manager should possess a solid understanding of global security and conflict

resolution, coupled with a proven ability to design, and execute high-quality project management and research. The ideal candidate is an established researcher with a specialisation in nuclear weapons issues or whatever else is relevant to the project that they will be managing, and an emerging track record of policy relevant publications. 

The Project Manager will manage two BASIC projects concurrently:  

1. The Peaceful Nuclear Technologies Portal (PEANUT, 2024-2025)

The PEANUT Portal will be a one-stop shop microsite featuring information about available civil nuclear science and technologies for the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs or ‘Global Goals’). In this capacity, you will work with a subject matter expert (already appointed) to build the site and actively promote the site and peaceful nuclear technologies more generally amongst relevant States and multilateral conferences.

As Project Manager, you will oversee the successful completion of further funding for the PEANUT project for beyond March 2025.

2. ‘Scoping British Nuclear Weapons Harms’ (2024-2026). 

Scoping British Nuclear Harms is a two-year scoping inquiry into the humanitarian and environmental harms caused by the UK Government’s nuclear weapons programme since its genesis. The candidate will build on existing work by BASIC to develop a nuclear harm reduction framework, and develop national and international networks with others working on these issues to develop and promote this work.

The role requires a fundamental understanding of the UK’s nuclear weapons programme and history, and the Project Manager will have a professional background in nuclear science and/or technology. Ideally the Project Manager will also have experience with science communication. 

The Project Manager should possess the skills to expand their network in their area of specialisation, benefiting BASIC, and be capable of line managing other team members within their programme. 

This role necessitates a formal project or programme management qualification – BASIC will provide the Project Manager with such training and qualifications if they do not already possess one. The Project Manager will collaborate with their line manager to identify a professional development plan, closing skills gaps and aspiring to become an internationally respected leader in their field.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

1. Project Delivery

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements

• Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns

• Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings

• Organise international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation

• Independently represent BASIC at international meetings

2. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities

• Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders

• Write and edit funding applications

3. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong relationships.

• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

• Promote our / their work confidently and internationally 

• Confidently use online social media platforms, and if possible, press contacts

4. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Role Requirements

Essential Criteria for the role

• Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience

• 7+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

• Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

• Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

• Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

• Strong track record of previous fundraising experience and success

• Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

• Willingness to travel internationally when required

• Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

• Good personal network in their research area

• Previous line management experience

Desirable Criteria

• Science/technology or ideally science communication background

• Formal project management qualification
  
   

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.